Reo-Coker price could put Villa off
Aston Villa could be forced to cool their interest in signing West Ham midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker because the two clubs are “poles apart” in terms of agreeing a fee.
Villa are happy to pay around £7m for Reo-Coker who was part of the England Under-21 side which reached the semi-finals of the European Championships in Holland.
But sources close to Villa indicate the Hammers want in the region of £10-£12m for the player who cost £500,000 when he moved to Upton Park from Wimbledon five years ago.
Reo-Coker is believed to have spoken with the Hammers board in a bid to get them to drop the asking price to what he feels is a realistic figure.
A Villa source said: “Reo-Coker wants to come to Aston Villa but in terms of agreeing a price, the two clubs are poles apart.”
Villa manager Martin O’Neill returns from holiday next week and is keen to start rebuilding his squad before players report back for pre-season training on July 4.
Villarreal striker Diego Forlan is amongst his striking targets as he seeks to find a partner for John Carew.
O’Neill also has to sort out the future of several of his fringe players in the next couple of weeks.
Northern Ireland international Steven Davis will be allowed to leave if the price is right – around £5m – with Fulham, Manchester City, Middlesbrough and Reading linked with the player.
Central defender Liam Ridgewell is a target for Birmingham, defender Aaron Hughes is interesting Fulham, midfielder Eric Djemba-Djemba is wanted by Benfica and keeper Stuart Taylor is on Cardiff’s radar.
Number one keeper Thomas Sorensen is also likely to be surplus to requirements as he enters the final year of his current contract.
